This photo shows the Bayonne Bridge prior to a news conference announcing the bridge project completion, Tuesday, May 2, 2017, seen from Elizabeth, N.J. New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie announced that as of June 30, the $1.6 billion raising of the Bayonne Bridge roadway will be completed, six months ahead of its year-end schedule. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

BAYONNE, N.J. (AP) – New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie says work to remove the existing lower roadway of the Bayonne Bridge will be completed six months ahead of schedule.

The Republican governor announced Tuesday that the work should be completed by June 30. It’s part of a $1.6 billion project to allow bigger cargo ships to reach New York City-area ports.

The Bayonne Bridge currently has a navigational clearance of 151 feet. The newly raised roadway will provide a clearance of 215 feet – the same as the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge in New York.